2009 DODGE DAKOTA differential

NNV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................ 251
NShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer
Case.............................. 255
NNV 244 Generation II Transfer Case
Operating Information / Precautions....... 257
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case....................... 261
mLimited-Slip Rear Axle Differential Ð If
Equipped............................ 262
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces............. 263
mDriving Through Water.................. 264
NFlowing/Rising Water................. 264
NShallow Standing Water................ 264
mPower Steering........................ 266NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 266
mParking Brake........................ 267
mBrake System......................... 269
NRear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ±
If Equipped......................... 269
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 270
mTire Safety Information.................. 272
NTire Markings....................... 272
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 275
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 276
mTires Ð General Information.............. 280
NTire Pressure........................ 280
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 281
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock the front
and rear driveshafts together, through the transfer case
inter-axle differential, and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to these positions. The
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry, hard-surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be
used for recreational towing only. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 for specific procedures on shifting
into and out of NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing, the transfer case position is 4-wheel drive
(4WD) and indicates the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD,4WD LOCK).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required. See your authorized dealer for service.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor-
mation:
4WD
The 4-Wheel Drive High Range employs the inter-axle
differential. This range allows front and rear wheels to
rotate at different speeds on all road surfaces.
4WD LOCK
The 4-Wheel Drive Lock (4WD LOCK) Range locks the
transfer case inter-axle differential, forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.4WD LOW
The 4-Wheel Drive Low (4WD LOW) Range provides
low speed 4-wheel drive. It locks the front and rear
driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional
traction and maximum pulling power for loose or slip-
pery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
The NEUTRAL Range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. NEUTRAL is used for
flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:
²The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. Ifthe key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
²If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The indicator light will flash and the current
transfer case position will be maintained. To retry the
selection, turn the control knob back to the current
position, wait five seconds, and retry the shift.
LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel. It improves traction
when there is a difference between the characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit is
similar to a conventional differential. But on a slippery
surface, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the wheel having the better traction.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid, other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid, will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
Drain and Refill
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Axles
Drain and Refill
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Rear Axle
Rear axle limited-slip differentials require the use of
MOPARtlimited-slip additive. Refer to ªFluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Partsº in this section for the correct
fluid type. This should be added to the gear lubricant
whenever a fluid change is made, when equipped with
limited-slip differential. Rear axle fluid level should be
1/4 in (6.4 mm) below filler plug for 8-1/4 in, and
9-1/4 in axles.
Front Axle
Front axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
plug.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body And Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Data Recorder, Event...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights................... 126
Dealer Service.......................... 356
Defroster, Rear Window................... 156
Defroster, Windshield...................72,230
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 130
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 353
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 262
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 169
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 372
Oil (Engine).......................... 356
Power Steering........................ 266
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 369
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 142
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 361Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 264
E-85 Fuel............................. 302
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 132
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 346
Jacking............................. 337
Tow Hooks.......................... 346
Towing............................. 347
Emission Control System Maintenance......354,400
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 359
Block Heater......................... 241
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 397
INDEX 431
10

Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 372
Brake............................... 371
Engine Oil........................... 356
Power Steering........................ 266
Transfer Case......................... 375
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 397
Fog Lights..........................126,395
Four Wheel Drive....................... 251
Operation........................... 251
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 332
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 346
Front Axle (Differential)................... 376
Fuel................................. 297
Adding............................. 306
Gauge.............................. 168
Octane Rating......................297,397
Requirements......................297,396
Tank Capacity........................ 396Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 306
Fuses................................ 381
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 142
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............306,353
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 168
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 297
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 298
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 168
Odometer.........................171,173
Speedometer......................... 170
Tachometer.......................... 171
Gear Ranges........................243,246
General Information................... 110,297
Glass Cleaning.......................... 380
Grocery Bag Retainer..................... 153
INDEX 433
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